Brent Knoll School unveils green solar scheme (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Brent Knoll School unveils green solar scheme

8:50am Wednesday 18th February 2009 in Burnham By David Hemming

PROUD staff and pupils at Brent Knoll Primary School showcased their new £25,000 solar panel system to impressed visitors on Friday.

Some of the school’s electricity is now powered by the 24 solar panels which were installed on the roof last month and the project is set to save the school £1,000 a year in energy bills.

The eco-friendly system generates 5,000kWh of electricity and will also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 51 tonnes over the next quarter of a century.

A live display screen shows pupils how much solar electricity is being generated at any given time which they can use as data in maths and science lessons.

The project was funded jointly between the EDF Energy Green Fund and the Government’s Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

Local MP David Heathcoat-Amory (pictured) launched the solar scheme last week and said: “I am very pleased that schools are finding ways of being more energy efficient which helps the environment and saves them money.”

Headteacher Karen Davidson added: “It’s great for the children to be able to learn about sustainable energy first hand and to know that their school is doing its bit to help the environment.

“We’re looking forward to developing lots of exciting ways of using the solar panels as a learning tool in the classroom. Our thanks go to Rob Vohra, a former PTA member, who has worked incredibly hard to make this all possible.”